Festival Theatre

History and StageThe Festival Theatre began in 1953 as a tent standing over a wooden thrust stage which was surrounded on three sides by the audience. Such a stage had not been seen by theatre-goers for centuries. Designed by Tanya Moiseiwitsch to specifications proposed by Tyrone Guthrie, this stage has subsequently influenced the design of over a dozen other theatre buildings throughout the world.

With the overwhelming success of the Festival’s first season, plans were made for a permanent structure. Designed by architect Robert Fairfield, the award-winning building opened in 1957.

The building and its stage have seen a number of changes since then, the most recent of which took place in 2007. At that time the Festival Theatre Store was relocated to the Discovery Centre, and the theatre lobby opened up to allow space for new amenities, including a café.

Click here for an expanded article about the historical significance of the Festival Stage.

Food and BeverageThe Festival Theatre houses a licensed café for light lunches, pastries, ice cream and other sweet treats. Picnics can be pre-ordered online or through our Box Office staff for you to savour in our beautiful gardens. There are three licensed bars in the theatre where you can enjoy wine, beer and spirits, as well as bar snacks and fresh baked goods.

The theatre also houses two private lounges for our generous supporting Members. Those at the Playwright’s Circle level are welcome to visit the PWC Lounge, and those at the Benefactor level and higher are invited to visit the Eaton Lounge.

The Stratford Festival ShopThe Festival location of the Stratford Festival Shop is in the Stratford Normal School – the red-brick building across the parking lot from the theatre. It offers a wide selection of books, music, custom clothing, giftware and souvenirs. Open before performances, during intermission and afterwards. We recommend shopping before the performance.

AccessibilityEntry to all seating is by aisles from the rear of the auditorium.

The theatre is wheelchair accessible, and a limited number of designated special-access parking spaces are available nearby. Service and Guide dogs are welcome in all our theatres; we ask patrons with service dogs to sit on an aisle or in our special access seating. House Programs are available in Braille and can be borrowed from the coat check staff at Aisle 1. All theatres are equipped with a wireless hearing assistance system. Please reserve your headsets in advance.

For complete information on all of our accessibility services, click here.

Booster SeatsComplimentary booster seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see an usher for assistance. They are available in both the balcony and orchestra levels.

Parking

Limited free parking is available along the circular drive in Upper Queen's Park (Richard Monette Way), adjacent to the theatre, and on both sides of the Avon.

Paid parking is available as follows:

Queen Street parking lot (below the Festival Theatre at Lakeside Drive): $12 on day of show ($10 for members, or when reserved at least 24 hours in advance)

Special Access Parking is available in the Buick Drive parking lot. There is limited availability, so we recommend that you reserve Special Access parking when you book your tickets. Cost: $10 with valid permit.

ToursIf you’d like to learn more about this incredible venue, consider taking a Festival Theatre tour. You can also tour the theatre's spectacular gardens during the summer months.